If you're looking for the perfect spot to take your engagement photos near Vancouver, there’s a solid chance Squamish hasn’t crossed your mind yet.

And as a Vancouver engagement photographer, it might be bold for me to pick Squamish as the best spot for engagement photos in BC. After all, there’s no shortage of stunning places to choose from. BUT, I can say with full confidence, if you’re planning an adventure session or just want your photos taken somewhere with gorgeous views without the crowds, Squamish is hard to beat.

So when Jennifer and Randy were looking for the best spot for their own adventure engagement photos, here’s exactly what I told them that made Squamish a no-brainer for this outdoorsy couple!

A couple walks hand in hand on the rocks by the ocean with a small rocky island and mountains in the background at oliver's landing near Squamish, BC

5 Reason Why Squamish is Perfect for Adventure Engagement Session

1. It’s not as far from Vancouver as you think.

How far is Squamish from Vancouver for engagement photos?

Just over an hour. In fact, depending on where you live, it might be faster to get to Squamish than to certain spots within Greater Vancouver, like Maple Ridge or Golden Ears.

The Sea to Sky Highway is usually a smooth trip, especially on weekdays. Once you’re out of Vancouver or North Van, the traffic drops off and the views kick in. You’re trading suburban sprawl for sweeping mountain views and calm forest roads that make it an experience within itself!

It’s close enough to do in an afternoon. Scenic enough to feel like a weekend away. So this is your reminder: SQUAMISH EXISTS! And it rocks!

2. Quiet spots aren’t hard to find (if you know where to look).

Sure, the Chief and the Sea to Sky Gondola are popular, and yes, they’ll likely be packed on any sunny weekend. But if you want to get away from the crowds, I have plenty of recommendations!

The Squamish engagement photo locations I use are low-traffic, tucked away, and super peaceful. You might see the odd rock climber or dog walker, but chances are, we’ll have the area to ourselves. And that kind of quiet isn’t something you get often in the Lower Mainland these days!

While privacy isn’t as essential for engagement photos as it is for elopements, it definitely helps when you're trying to relax, connect, and have fun in front of the camera, not to have 20+ curious tourists around!

3. There’s no excessive planning or paperwork needed.

Do you need a permit for engagement photos in Squamish?

Nope, and honestly? Hallelujah, because that is becoming increasingly rare.

In recent years, a bunch of popular engagement photo spots in the Lower Mainland have either banned photo sessions entirely (like Lighthouse Park, a former photographer favourite) or started charging permit fees (like Campbell Valley Park in Langley).

Even downtown locations like the Vancouver Public Library aren’t super photo-friendly anymore. And let’s be honest, most couples don’t want to fill out paperwork or book a time slot just to take some engagement photos. It’s frustrating for both photographers and couples, especially when you're trying to plan around weather, work, and timing.

But in Squamish? You can just show up and shoot. No forms. No fees. No surprises. And that freedom means we can keep things spontaneous and easy-going! Which is exactly the vibe my couples usually want for engagement photos, especially with adventure sessions.

4. You don’t have to hike for crazy beautiful views.

A lot of people assume you need to hike The Chief or scramble up some insane trail to get epic views. But actually, some of my favorite Squamish engagement photo spots are literally five minutes from the parking lot.

I like to call it the Golden Triangle of adventure engagement photos (aka what everyone really wants):

→ Privacy

→ Accessibility

→ Natural beauty

Most places you’ll find on Pinterest or blogs will only give you two of the three. With Squamish? You get them all! But if you want to hike, there are plenty of spots for that, too.

I don’t give away the exact locations to the internet because of respect to locals and keeping natural areas wild, but I happily whip out all my secrets for couples, depending on what they are looking for!

5. The possibilities are endless for variety and adventure.

One of my favorite things about shooting in Squamish is the variety of scenery you can pack into a single session (all within a 15-minute drive). We can hit up 2–3 completely different settings in one session, without driving for hours or rushing.

Want forest photos with a little mystical, enchanted vibe? Check!
Craving mountain backdrops and insane views? Done!
Hoping for beach engagement photos? It’s got those, too.

Oh, and we can’t forget the super big bonus of endless outdoor activities, if that’s your jam!

Helicopters, hiking, kayaking around the bay—it’s all there!

Whether you’re imagining a chill nature walk, a full-on adventure session, or something in between, Squamish makes it all feel easy and doable, and with way less stress than most people expect.

It’s the kind of place that lets your session feel like an actual experience, not just a quick shoot in a crowded park. Which is, in the end, exactly why Jennifer and Randy chose Squamish for their engagement session!

Need a photographer for your Squamish engagement photos?

You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out. In fact, I’d encourage you to contact your top photographers as soon as possible to not only chat about availability, but to use them as the ultimate resource for planning your engagement session. We’re experts at outfits, locations, adventure ideas, allll of the things!

If that’s me, tap the button below and we’ll schedule a time to talk about the details! In the meantime, here are a few more resources that might help you along the way:

→ Planning an Adventure Photo Session in British Columbia for things to consider for weather, seasons, and activities!

→ Hiking the Chief in Squamish for couples who do want to hike during their adventure shoot!

→ What to Wear for Your Engagement Shoot for stress-free outfit inspiration!

Plus, don’t forget to scroll through Jennifer and Randy’s Squamish engagement photo gallery for more ideas for your own adventure!

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